Yanks' Stadium Plan Causes More Debate
by Tanisia Morris
Issue date: 5/1/06 Section: News
The proposed $28 Million new Yankee Stadium plan has left many Bronx residents divided on whether or not the construction of a new stadium will be beneficial or a potential cause of conflicts in the near future for the borough. Some residents have already made up their minds and are in support of a new stadium, while others continue to be in opposition of the plan. But in spite of the opposition, the City Council has voted to allow the Yankees to take over the Macomb's Dam and Mullally parks, where the new stadium will be built. Construction is expected to begin this spring.
Some residents are still outraged over the destruction of the Macomb's Dams and Mullaly parks, 22 acres of parkland, which serve as recreational areas for residents in the neighborhood. Residents can be seen running track, exercising, playing sports, or relaxing in the parks. "It's not fair because there'll be no place to exercise," says City College Senior and resident, Sanje James. "It's sad because I don't know where I'm going to go jogging." The Yankees plan to replace the parks, but many residents claim that the new parks will be small and spread out in various areas. They believe traveling to the new park locations will be a hassle for those who already live in neighborhood and are familiar with the existing parks.
Also, conservationists argue that such greenery is vital for areas plagued by respiratory illnesses like asthma. The area is known as 'asthma alley' so residents need these trees. A greater percentage of people suffer from asthma in the Bronx than in any other borough. Residents fear that the construction of the new stadium and the destruction of parkland will put more particles in Bronx air, further harming the health of residents. In addition, about 400 mature trees will be destroyed. "When the trees in the park bloom in the summer, it puts out oxygen. The new stadium will be harmful to the environment," says Kitty Cotter, a 1971 Lehman alumni, and a member of the Save Our Parks organization.
The Yankees have recognized the environmental concerns of the community and have made plans to replace the mature trees that will be destroyed with 12,000 young trees, although the trees often takes about 15 years to reach maturity. According to the Daily News, the replacements are expected to cost about $14 million.
In addition, news of the proposal to build 3,000 parking spots have left many residents angered by the potential increase in traffic when the stadium is built. But the Yankees have promised to improve transportation with proposals to construct a Metro-North station at Yankee Stadium. Top politicians like Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki believe that the station would reduce traffic by providing Lower Hudson Residents with another alternative to traveling to the stadium.
The location of the Yankee stadium isn't the only thing in the plan; the interior of the stadium will also undergo some changes. The new stadium will reduce the total amount of seats from 57,000 to 53,000, while the availability of luxury boxes will increase from 18 to 60. In addition, there will also be more lower-level seats than upper-level seats. All of these changes seem to exclude many lower income families who aren't able to buy luxury and field-level seats. However, the Yankees affirm that their goal was not to exclude low-income individuals from enjoying a game at the ballpark nor were they just trying to appeal to their wealthier customers. In fact, the Yankees believe that their proposal seek to help lower-income families and the community that they live in.
Yankee President Randy Levine, baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and even Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion continue to try to convince opponents of the benefits of the plan. The Yankees have tried to ease the tension by revising past proposals for the construction of the new stadium. Besides the $28 million trust fund, the Yankees will award Bronx groups with 15,000 free tickets, as well as $200,000 towards community needs; one of the needs include maintaining the new parks that would be replaced. The Yankees also promise that there will be thousands of jobs for Bronx residents and that business in the area will be positively affected.
The Yankees are closer to achieving their goal of constructing the new stadium with the support of top legislators. Groups in opposition of the plan will soon have to put down their picketing signs, now that the City Council has voted in their favor. The only thing that Bronx residents can do is sit back and see if all of these promises are fulfilled when the stadium is expected to be completed in 2009.
 Media Credit: Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY |
Also, conservationists argue that such greenery is vital for areas plagued by respiratory illnesses like asthma. The area is known as 'asthma alley' so residents need these trees. A greater percentage of people suffer from asthma in the Bronx than in any other borough. Residents fear that the construction of the new stadium and the destruction of parkland will put more particles in Bronx air, further harming the health of residents. In addition, about 400 mature trees will be destroyed. "When the trees in the park bloom in the summer, it puts out oxygen. The new stadium will be harmful to the environment," says Kitty Cotter, a 1971 Lehman alumni, and a member of the Save Our Parks organization.
The Yankees have recognized the environmental concerns of the community and have made plans to replace the mature trees that will be destroyed with 12,000 young trees, although the trees often takes about 15 years to reach maturity. According to the Daily News, the replacements are expected to cost about $14 million.
In addition, news of the proposal to build 3,000 parking spots have left many residents angered by the potential increase in traffic when the stadium is built. But the Yankees have promised to improve transportation with proposals to construct a Metro-North station at Yankee Stadium. Top politicians like Mayor Bloomberg and Governor Pataki believe that the station would reduce traffic by providing Lower Hudson Residents with another alternative to traveling to the stadium.
The location of the Yankee stadium isn't the only thing in the plan; the interior of the stadium will also undergo some changes. The new stadium will reduce the total amount of seats from 57,000 to 53,000, while the availability of luxury boxes will increase from 18 to 60. In addition, there will also be more lower-level seats than upper-level seats. All of these changes seem to exclude many lower income families who aren't able to buy luxury and field-level seats. However, the Yankees affirm that their goal was not to exclude low-income individuals from enjoying a game at the ballpark nor were they just trying to appeal to their wealthier customers. In fact, the Yankees believe that their proposal seek to help lower-income families and the community that they live in.
Yankee President Randy Levine, baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and even Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion continue to try to convince opponents of the benefits of the plan. The Yankees have tried to ease the tension by revising past proposals for the construction of the new stadium. Besides the $28 million trust fund, the Yankees will award Bronx groups with 15,000 free tickets, as well as $200,000 towards community needs; one of the needs include maintaining the new parks that would be replaced. The Yankees also promise that there will be thousands of jobs for Bronx residents and that business in the area will be positively affected.
The Yankees are closer to achieving their goal of constructing the new stadium with the support of top legislators. Groups in opposition of the plan will soon have to put down their picketing signs, now that the City Council has voted in their favor. The only thing that Bronx residents can do is sit back and see if all of these promises are fulfilled when the stadium is expected to be completed in 2009.